Muskegon area girls basketball preview: OK Conference teams and more

Muskegon Catholic Central's Katherine Salisz, right, tries to drive around Western Michigan Christian's Vanessa Eekhoff in River Valley play last season. Both are back in what should be a good battle for the league title this season. (File photo)

The new-look OK Black conference has a much different feel this season.

Gone are perennial power Forest Hills Central and Holland, and in to replace them are Muskegon and Zeeland East

Initially it looks like Mona Shores will be the class of the OK Black, but the future of the league looks exciting if it sticks like this for a while.

Muskegon has former player Taushauna (Churchwell) Burrel leading the program, and Burrel has as much passion for the sport as anyone.

Over at Reeths-Puffer there's plenty of young talent coming up to get the Rockets excited about their future.

"I am excited for more local rivalry and less travel," Mona Shores coach Bradley Kurth said. "The future matchups and renewed rivalries are important to high school sports."

Kenowa Hills is traditionally a strong program, and it has a new coach this season.

Coach: Mike Henry. Last year: 19-4,1st in River Valley. Key returnees: Rachel Bruinsma, sr. F; Vanessa Eekhoff, sr. F; Julie Merz, sr. G. Watch for: Jessica Knoll, jr. G; Lorelle Hallenbeck, jr. F; Alyssa Wright, so. G; Lindsey Johnson, so. Outlook: It will be a challenge for the Warriors to repeat as league champs, but they have two returning starters to build around and will be one of the favorites.